Currently, most of the 'smart home' devices in the market are expensive and all of them are sold bundled as a package which may include some sensors that the users may not necessarily need. These systems tend to include a proprietary 'hub or gateway' device that connects e.g. the user's smartphone to the rest of the devices at home. The hub unfortunately is also the most expensive part in smart home system. As such, this pose as a barrier to mass adoption by most consumers to IoT.
What if there is a cheaper, low-cost alternative? For example, since most of the home would already have a local Wi-Fi router, what if there is a way to piggyback on this existing system? What if we break down the smart home systems into many different modules (thus reducing the costs) where the users and add on depending on their needs (giving users a choice)?
Turning Idea into PrototypeIn order to build this according to the specifications we listed out, we need to find and use components/parts that can be sourced easily (and built cheaply). We turn to the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module (ESP-WROOM-02) produced by Espressif Systems.
The ESP8266 has a unique deep-sleep feature which allows it to operate in extreme low-power mode and can 'woken' up to transmit information to a cloud server via the local Wi-Fi router. A reed switch is added to trigger the Wi-Fi module from the deep-sleep mode.
We also make it operate on two AA batteries since these batteries are easily available especially in Southeast Asia countries. It is hoped that the device can last for 2 years on a single battery change on the assumption that as an anomaly alert system, it should operate in 'deep-sleep' mode 99.9% of the time and only 'wakes up' 3-4 times a day to check for Wi-Fi connectivity, download and install the latest firmware version automatically and transmit battery level.
While this kind of Wi-Fi-based notifier system can be easily made by makers, hobbyists or electro-geeks, there is a large pool of potential users that may not be technically-inclined nor have the hardware/tools to build this themselves. As makers, we understand the initial struggle of having to build something from scratch. As such we believe that by offering it as a semi-build/partially-finished product, we can position HOMIO as an easy-to-use/user-friendly product catering to both the maker and the general consumer market.
Use CasesThe HOMIO can be can be easily mounted on to secured door, windows or drawers using simple household adhesives. It is designed to be an everyday consumer product that aims provide a peace of mind against any break-in, tampering or unauthorized access, removal or relocation of items.
- Each HOMIO device can be connected to a single or multiple smartphones (likewise, each smartphone can be connected to single or multiple HOMIO devices)
- Alert messages can be personalized
- Easy 'Plug & Play' setup. Additional units can be added when required.
- Firmware is updated regularly 'over-the-air' (OTA) automatically.
- Can work as standalone device. No hub is needed.
- Can be installed anywhere (some modifications to the enclosure may be required).
- Very Affordable (below U$20)
- Auto-alert when battery power is low
- 2 x AA batteries can last for 2 years (calculated based on heavy duty AA battery (>2500mAH) and 4 alerts (open/close) per day)
As at 22 July 2016, the HOMIO is still undergoing beta testing. A refined version with better aesthetics and a more user-friendly app will be released in due time (subjected to interests from possible investors and customers).
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